Definitions of sustainability often concern aspects of ecology, society, and the economy. They can have different meanings depending on the context. For example, a diet might not have the same definition for consumers as for manufacturers or farmers.

People are now more familiar with how traditional farming practices exploit and degrade land and other resources. But have we thought enough about what we eat and how that contributes to global warming and climate change? This is not the only open question in the broader context of sustainable farming. How do we change our food systems and consumption patterns to make them compatible? Communicating that can be tricky.

A sustainable diet

In 2010, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) defined sustainable diets as "those with low environmental impacts which contribute to food and nutrition security and to healthy life for present and future generations." To underscore this further, the determinants of a sustainable diet are nutritional adequacy, accessibility, environmental sustainability, and cultural acceptability.

We need to consider this from two perspectives: efficiency and environmental protection. The former measures how natural resources are used to make food for given diets, while the latter indicates the preservation of ecological systems.

For a long time, agriculture was mainly a complex system of growing several crops and raising animals on the same farmland. With the advent of industrialised agriculture, farms became monocultural, with a single farm generally producing a single crop. The inputs were mainly non-renewable energy sources and large amounts of chemicals.

Plant-based diets

There have been more discussions around sustainable food systems in the pursuit of sustainability and reduced environmental impact. In an era when our choices impact the planet; what we eat has greater significance. It's why plant-based diets have emerged as a sustainable option and solution that benefits people's health and the environment.

Humans can only eat what's grown and available to them, and that diet has continually evolved. Throughout civilisations, the preference for plant-based diets has been influenced by health, religion, culture, and economic factors. Research has suggested a nuanced discussion around the shift to plant-based diets. They're linked to specific environmental and health risks associated with animal-based production and consumption.

Animal agriculture is responsible for over 75% of agricultural land use, 11-20% of greenhouse emissions and over 30% of global methane emissions. It's also responsible for tropical deforestation.

Companies and consumers are more aware of the consequences and are looking for sustainable options. While some have lobbied for "better meat" or meat substitute products, consumers are still sceptical due to gender-based differences and preferences. So, why plant-based diets? Here are a few important reasons:

Preserve resources: Plant-based diets require fewer natural resources like land, water, and energy. It helps in conserving essential ecosystems and ecologies and protects biodiversity.

Sustainable food system: People contribute to more sustainable and regenerative farming practices by supporting and choosing plant-based diets. This transition will support ecological resilience.

Less deforestation: Large swaths of forest land are cleared to make way for pastureland to grow feed crops for animal-based agriculture. If the demand for meat is reduced, forests are preserved since they also serve as carbon sinks and habitats for species.

Lower methane emissions: Livestock like cattle are a big source of methane. Reducing meat consumption will help lower emissions and mitigate climate change.

Apart from the environmental aspects, plant-based diets are considered healthier. They're usually low in saturated fats and cholesterol and rich in fibre, antioxidants, and essential vitamins. They're also associated with dietary styles like the Mediterranean or Nordic Diet. The important thing to keep in mind is nutritional adequacy. There's a minimum nutrition requirement, and plant-based diets should be carefully considered and balanced.

This isn't to say adopting a plant-based diet is simple. Some important barriers should be noted:

Affordability: The transition cost to a plant-based diet is more affordable in high-income countries. In low-income nations, it would disproportionately affect the mean daily household income per capita.

Accessibility: Not everyone has access to plant-based foods. Their availability depends on environmental factors, convenience, and culture.

Nutrition: Some nutrients are often under-consumed in plant-based diets. Plant food can lack or be low in vitamins B12 and D. The absorption and bioavailability of some nutrients in plant foods could be compromised by antinutrients.

A sustainable future

The idea of dietary choices isn't just about personal health but also about our planet. As we move towards a more sustainable future, plant-based diets could hold the key to achieving personal and environmental wellness. As more research crops up about this, we at Smart Grow Farms are committed to exploring sustainable farming and nutrition that benefits people and the planet.